Recreation Program Manager
About The Position
The Recreation Program Manager is responsible for the leadership, oversight, and strategic direction of multiple recreation divisions, including School Age Programs, Cultural Arts & Special Events, and General Recreation. This role ensures the delivery of high-quality programs and events that meet the needs of the Vernon Hills community while supervising, supporting, and evaluating Recreation Supervisors and their respective teams. This position plays a key role in staff development, budgeting, operational planning, and maintaining compliance with safety and district policies. The position requires availability during early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Parks & Recreation, Public Administration, Education, or related field with a minimum of 6 years of progressive experience in recreational program management and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Must possess CPR/AED and First Aid certification within 60 days of hire.
- Valid Illinois Class "D" driver's license is required.
- Must successfully complete a physical exam, drug screening, background check, and road test.
- Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills are essential.
- Ability to manage multiple staff and projects simultaneously in a dynamic environment.
- Must maintain confidentiality, demonstrate sound judgment, and handle stressful situations diplomatically.
- Must have strong analytical, time management, and decision-making skills.
- Proficiency in written and verbal communication.
- Ability to adapt quickly to changes in schedules, personnel, or program needs.
- Employee must have the ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
Nice To Haves
- CPRP certification preferred (as eligible per NRPA).
Responsibilities
- Provide supervision and mentorship to Recreation Supervisors; conduct regular team meetings and annual evaluations.
- Develop professional development plans and training programs for supervisory staff.
- Support supervisors in staff hiring, onboarding, and performance management across their respective program areas.
- Foster collaboration and communication across divisions to ensure consistent service delivery and staff coverage.
- Monitor, guide, and evaluate programming across the general recreation, cultural arts/special events, and school-age portfolios.
- Work in collaboration with Recreation Facility Manager to ensure program offerings align with department goals, community needs, strategic goals, and industry best practices.
- Approve seasonal program lineups and ensure alignment with budget and operational standards.
- Prepare, review, and monitor division-wide budgets; ensure accuracy and fiscal responsibility.
- Review program revenue and expense reports and assist supervisors in identifying growth or cost reduction opportunities.
- Collaborate with the Marketing Department to develop promotional strategies and materials.
- Collaborate with IT Department for reports to support the needs of the recreation department.
- Represent the Park District at community meetings, interagency collaborations, and special events as needed.
- Ensure division-wide compliance with safety, OSHA, ADA, and risk management policies.
- Review and support the implementation of emergency preparedness plans and training within each division.
- Assist in addressing participant or safety issues escalated by supervisors.
- Approve payroll, contracts, and purchasing requisitions submitted by Recreation Supervisors.
- Seek and oversee grant applications or sponsorship opportunities across programming areas.
- Assist with policy and handbook development across all assigned divisions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
